Overview
A private family is seeking an experienced, highly professional live-in domestic couple to oversee the full-time management and operation of their Southampton estate (15,000 square foot). This is a high-touch, process driven environment which combines property and project management with housekeeping and hospitality. The owners require a couple capable of delivering five-star service, maintaining impeccable property standards, and ensuring seamless execution of both daily operations and frequent entertaining.
While the position operates within a structured family office framework, with defined reporting lines, the couple is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy while maintaining clear communication and accountability. The ideal candidates are proactive, detail-oriented, discreet, and capable of managing a dynamic household with consistency and professionalism.
Schedule & Accommodations
- In-Season (June–October): Full-time plus flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and holidays while principals are in residence
- Off-Season (November–May): Structured, lower-intensity schedule focused on maintenance, planning, and projects (generally Monday–Friday, except holidays or scheduled visits)
- Time Off: Two days per week (In-Season schedule based on household needs)
- Accommodation: Private apartment with separate entrance (bedroom, bathroom, living area, kitchenette, laundry access)
This is a long-term, career-oriented opportunity within a structured, well-supported household environment. The family values professionalism, consistency, discretion, and high standards, and seeks a couple who will take pride in managing the estate to an exceptional level.
Responsibilities
1.Estate Operations & Property Management (Primary Focus)
- Serve as primary on-site operators responsible for the full functionality of the estate, vendors, subcontractors, and support staff
- Maintain the property to exceptional standards, with emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and preventative care
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative maintenance programs across all systems:
- HVAC, plumbing, electrical
- Pool and spa systems
- AV/IT and smart home systems
- Security systems
- Irrigation and landscaping infrastructure
- Conduct routine inspections across main house (3 floors), guest house, pool deck, and grounds
- Identify and resolve issues proactively before escalation
Mechanical, Hands-On & Physical Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on maintenance and light repair work where appropriate
- Demonstrate comfort working with tools, equipment, and basic mechanical systems
- Support physically demanding aspects of the role, including:
- Property upkeep across multiple structures and levels
- Outdoor maintenance and seasonal preparation
- Setup and breakdown for events and guest stays
- Maintain overall readiness and functionality of all property components
Vendor Management & Project Coordination
- Serve as primary point of contact for all vendors and service providers
- Schedule, supervise, and evaluate contractors to ensure high-quality execution
- Maintain vendor accountability on scope, timing, and cost control
Systems, Organization & Process Implementation
- Establish and maintain structured systems for property management, including:
- Maintenance logs and service schedules
- Inventory tracking and supply management
- Vendor records and service history
- Utilize digital tools (apps, shared systems, task tracking) to ensure organization and transparency
- Continuously improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and reliability
Grounds, Facilities & Exterior Management
- Oversee all aspects of exterior property condition, including:
- Landscaping, irrigation, and hardscape
- Pool and outdoor entertaining areas
- Ensure property is consistently clean, functional, and presentation-ready
- Coordinate seasonal transitions (summer readiness, winterization, storm prep)
2.Hospitality & Service (Secondary Focus)
The principals maintain an active social calendar with frequent entertaining, including a minimum of two dinner parties per week during the season, as well as regular house guests and high-profile visitors. The Domestic Couple will be responsible for supporting a refined, consistent, and anticipatory hospitality experience comparable to a luxury boutique hotel or private club.
Entertaining & Event Execution
- In conjunction with a full-time In-Season chef, plan and support multiple weekly dinners and gatherings with precision and consistency.
- Candidates will be expected to autonomously manage food prep, cooking and service for the principals (two) and occasional family / guests (up to six) when the full-time chef is off duty or unavailable.
- Coordinate with principals on menus, guest preferences, and service style paying special attention to food sensitivities (eggplant allergy, chemical sensitivity, process food aversion, etc)
- Engage and support full-time chef, manage external caterers, vendors, and service staff as needed
- Support full event lifecycle: planning, setup, service, breakdown, and reset
Guest Experience & House Guest Management
- Serve as primary on-site hosts ensuring guests receive attentive, discreet service
- Prepare guest suites to hotel-level standards with personalized touches
- Provide daily housekeeping, light laundry (as appropriate), and turndown service
- Coordinate guest logistics including transportation, reservations, and activities
Standards & Presentation
- Maintain a consistent five-star presentation of all living and entertaining spaces
- Execute formal and informal table settings with precision and attention to detail
- Ensure all service ware, linens, and décor are maintained and event-ready
Hospitality Staff Coordination
- Supervise temporary staff during events and ensure service standards are met
- Maintain preferred vendor lists and continuously improve hospitality execution
Household Maintenance & Housekeeping
- Maintain all interior spaces to immaculate condition at all times using approved cleaning products
- Care for fine materials including marble, antiques, wood finishes, and specialty surfaces
- Perform daily housekeeping, laundry, ironing, steaming, and organization
- Manage closets, linens, and household inventories
- Ensure the residence is consistently guest-ready
- Pet bird care, feeding, medicine administration, and hospitality maintenance
Grounds, Facilities & Light Maintenance
- Perform light handyman duties and coordinate specialized vendors
- Oversee landscaping, pool, and exterior property conditions
- Conduct routine inspections to proactively identify and resolve issues
- Ensure vehicles are cleaned, maintained, and ready for use
Transportation & Errands
- Drive principals and guests as needed
- Manage grocery shopping, provisioning, and household errands
- Coordinate deliveries, shipping, and logistics
Technology & Systems
- Operate and troubleshoot home systems (Crestron, Sonos, security, Wi-Fi)
- Utilize household management tools (calendar systems, messaging platforms, task tracking)
- Support basic IT troubleshooting and vendor coordination
- Conduct online purchasing and inventory management
Division of Responsibilities (Typical):
Partner 1 – Operations / Facilities Focus
- Vendor management, maintenance oversight, driving, exterior systems
Partner 2 – Hospitality / Interior Focus
- Housekeeping, laundry, guest service, interior presentation
(Both partners are expected to be cross-functional and collaborative.)
Qualifications
Key Success Factors
- Absolute discretion, integrity, and trustworthiness
- Strong sense of ownership and pride in maintaining the estate
- Ability to anticipate needs and operate proactively
- High attention to detail and consistency of execution
- Professional, warm, and non-obtrusive demeanor
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a high-frequency entertaining environment
- Special attention to the principals’ chemical sensitivities / no scented personal care products
Requirements
- Minimum 3–7+ years’ experience in a similar UHNW household or luxury hospitality role
- Demonstrated longevity with prior employers
- Valid driver’s licenses with clean records
- Ability to pass comprehensive background checks
- Strong English communication skills
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
Salary and Benefits
Base salary: $200-$250k
Performance Bonus (Discretionary Annual)
- Target: 5–10% of base compensation
- Based on the following objectives:
- In-season property condition and readiness
- Principal satisfaction
- Vendor management efficiency and cost control
- Communication, responsiveness, and reliability
Benefits
- Private housing provided (separate apartment)
- Health insurance stipend and/or reimbursement`
- Paid time off
- Retirement benefits (e.g., Simple IRA with employer match after eligibility period)
